Sydneysiders tastebuds to be tempted back to Victoria

Sydney foodies have the opportunity to tantalise their taste buds and aid bushfire recovery with the launch of Tourism Victoria’s Nourish to Flourish Food & Wine campaign.

The initiative aims to highlight the quality food and wine experiences on offer in two of Victoria’s bushfire regions – the Yarra Valley and High Country (pictured) and reinforce the message that Victoria’s bushfire affected regions are open for business.

Food and wine produce from these regions will feature on the menus of eight leading Sydney restaurants from 13 May to 13 June 2009.

In addition Victorian wines from the High Country and Yarra Valley will be offered ‘by the glass’ at Sydney’s leading restaurants and selected bars.

The campaign encourages Sydneysiders to take a bite of some of Australia’s best regional produce and taste world-class wines, enticing them to come and explore these Victorian regions for themselves.

Movie blockbuster to be shot in Melbourne

Another multi-million dollar Hollywood blockbuster will be filmed in Melbourne with Miramax Films signing on to locate the horror/thriller Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark at the Melbourne City Central Studios.

Filming of Don’t be Afraid of the Dark is anticipated to begin within the next few months, taking full advantage of Melbourne’s dramatic winter.

It will use Melbourne City Central Studios as well as other locations around Melbourne.

Based on a popular 1970s classic horror/thriller telemovie, Don’t be Afraid of the Dark is the story of a young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend, only to discover there are sinister creatures living beneath the stairs.

Produced by Mark Johnson (Chronicles of Narnia) and Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy I & II and Pan’s Labyrinth) the project will be the first time Miramax Films have shot a movie in Australia.

International opportunities available

For Melbourne and Victoria to maintain and strengthen its current position as a competitive international destination Tourism Victoria encourages collaboration with our local industry.

To achieve increase visitor numbers, length of stay and visitor expenditure Tourism Victoria’s international marketing division have launched the International Opportunities Guide 2009-10.

The guide includes targeted marketing opportunities by market allowing our local industry to prepare their marketing and financial planning for the financial year ahead.

In addition, the guide also provides a selection of opportunities to leverage from, or participate in to showcase your tourism product or experience to an international audience of product managers, travel agents and key decision makers.

Download the guide at tourism.vic.gov.au/marketing/marketing/international-marketing-opportunities/

Call for donations to help bushfire recovery

Accommodation providers are encouraged to participate in the Victorian Holiday Offer.

To assist families on their road to recovery the Victorian Holiday Offer program aims to provide those who lost their homes in the recent bushfires with a much needed break.

Businesses can assist by donating room nights which will give survivors an opportunity to enjoy a much needed break during this difficult time.

Accommodation offerings will be allocated to people who have lost their homes using a printed voucher system. Vouchers will be distributed by the Department of Human Services.

For further information or to donate visit tourism.vic.gov.au/bushfireoffer/

Read all about Victoria’s microbreweries

Victoria’s thriving microbrewing industry is showcased in The Beer Lover’s Guide to Victoria’s Microbreweries.

The updated guide features references to the brews produced, tasting sheets, contact details, brewer profiles, anecdotes and a map of Victoria with locations of all featured microbreweries.

It showcases more than 31 Victorian breweries, including 20 in regional Victoria.

Guides will be distributed widely through visitor information services, local and regional tourism associations and hospitality industry outlets including hotels, bars, restaurants and microbreweries.

Culinary diversity on show at new Convention Centre

Victoria’s reputation for culinary diversity and world-class food and wine will be showcased to local, national and international audiences when the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) opens in July.

The kitchen team at MCEC will source seasonal produce from a well established network of suppliers across regional Victoria.

These include Red Hill Cheese, Bill’s Farm at Victoria market; Sher Wagyu at Ballan; Salute Olive Oil; Green Eggs and Yarra Valley Salmon.

The wine list is focused on premium Victorian producers from diverse growing regions across the state.

There will be no set menus at MCEC – just a guide of the best produce of the season which allows for a food and wine experience tailored to each client’s requirements.

Sailing World Cup anchors in Melbourne until 2011

Melbourne will see the absolute best of international sailors after securing the first leg of the prestigious Sailing World Cup for the next three years.

Cementing Melbourne’s title as the world’s sporting and major events capital Melbourne will play host to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) accredited event until 2011.

Melbourne was the first choice for Yachting Australia and the International Sailing Federation – the only city in the Southern hemisphere invited to join this new Olympic sailing circuit.

The Sailing World Cup is the pinnacle for Olympic sailors and aspirants and will be held at Sandringham Yacht Club from 14-19 December in 2009.